Corte Madera Expands Pickleball Courts: Corte Madera is taking a significant step to enhance its recreational facilities by increasing the budget for new pickleball courts at Town Park. In a unanimous decision on June 18, the Town Council approved boosting the project budget from $190,000 to $350,000. This move enables the town to attract more competitive bids for the construction.
Public Works Director R.J. Suokko has been authorized to release a new request for bids, aiming to start construction this summer. The initial bid, advertised on May 17, only attracted one offer from Bauman Landscape & Construction Inc. of San Francisco, which came in at $351,629.25—well above the original budget. Consequently, the bid was rejected for not meeting formal requirements.
The town has allocated $230,000 from its capital projects fund and $100,000 from the Measure A parks fund for this endeavor, with the new budget limit including a 10% contingency.
Currently, Town Park at 498 Tamalpais Drive boasts two pickleball courts with permanent lines and lights, but players must bring their own nets. The new courts, to be located southeast of the skatepark, will adhere to standard dimensions (20 feet wide by 44 feet long), and the project includes installing noise barriers, which contributed to the increased estimate.
Mayor Eli Beckman emphasized the community’s enthusiasm for the project “Corte Madera residents have identified more pickleball courts as their top recreational priority, and I’m proud to see us deliver for them. Starting the top priority project less than a year after completing our parks and rec master plan feels like the definition of responsive government.”
The project involves removing a concrete ball wall to make room for the new courts, which will be rebuilt nearby. This renovation is part of a broader vision for Town Park, as approved in the Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan last October.
Vice Mayor Pat Ravasio highlighted the social benefits of the sport “Pickleball was high on the list of our parks and rec master plan survey, and that was before it became as popular as it is now. Pickleball is a very social game, and bringing community members together is a key mission for us in Corte Madera.”
In addition to the pickleball courts, the council approved a $300,000 skatepark renovation, funded by the Scotty Lapp Foundation, to expand and improve the facility. The town will contribute $30,000 for the demolition and removal of the old skatepark ramps, adding 1,700 square feet to the area.
This comprehensive approach, involving consultants and extensive community outreach, aims to rejuvenate Town Park and make it a hub for recreational activities. As the town continues to grow, these improvements reflect a commitment to enhancing quality of life and fostering community engagement through responsive and strategic planning.
News in Brief: Corte Madera Expands Pickleball Courts
Corte Madera’s Town Council has increased the budget for new pickleball courts at Town Park from $190,000 to $350,000 to attract more competitive bids for construction. The project, which includes noise barriers and standard-sized courts, will start this summer. The initial bid exceeded the original budget, leading to its rejection. Funding comes from the capital projects fund and Measure A parks fund. This initiative aligns with the Parks and Recreation Facilities Master Plan, reflecting the community’s strong interest in more pickleball facilities. Additionally, a $300,000 skatepark renovation, funded by the Scotty Lapp Foundation, has been approved.
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